Patents by Inventor Steven J. Funke

Steven J. Funke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20030029421
    Abstract: The present invention finds application in engines using mechanically actuated electronically controlled fuel injectors having direct control needle valves. In valves such as these, a spill control valve member controls fuel pressurization within the injector while a needle control valve member controls the timing and duration of the injection event. However, when the momentum of fuel exiting the fuel injector past the spill valve is greater than that of the tappet and plunger moving toward their downward positions, engine components upstream of the tappet can briefly separate and re-engage, which can result in increased mechanical noise levels. Therefore, the present invention is directed to maintaining sufficient contact force in the various engine components to reduce the mechanical noise levels by positioning a flow restriction between the fuel pressurization chamber of the fuel injector and a fuel source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Steven J. Funke, George E. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6516775
    Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve may be slowed during the first opening event by controlling fluid leaving a second actuator volume opposite a first actuator volume providing opening force on an exhaust valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman
  • Publication number: 20030019469
    Abstract: A number of engine operating strategies have been developed that allow for engine braking when combustion is not needed. In these strategies, air within the engine cylinder is compressed by the cylinder piston; however, rather than introducing fuel into the cylinder to facilitate a combustion event, the cylinder is opened to an exhaust manifold and the compressed air is vented, and the energy is released by the engine. However, it has been learned that the venting of this compressed air from the engine can produce undesirable noise emissions. Thus, the present invention employs a dual exhaust valve lift strategy to reduce noise produced during engine braking while still allowing relatively high engine braking horsepowers to be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Steven J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6453873
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling combustion engine compression braking having the variable timing of the dwell period of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders during a braking event as well as the variable timing of the commencement or onset of the braking event. The system and method thus facilitate the proper performance of the braking event as a function of engine speed and prevents interference or physical impact with the cam driving elements used for achieving the normal or regular exhaust valve event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Joshua C. Ruedin, Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Sameer Bhargava
  • Patent number: 6446598
    Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve is controlled by delivery of fluid to a brake actuator piston. Fluid delivery is slowed as the brake actuator piston moves to cover a first cylinder port and uncover a second cylinder port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman
  • Patent number: 6439210
    Abstract: Apparatus and method, particularly suited for a work machine, provides EGR to an internal combustion engine without the addition of special EGR hardware. The invention provides a controlling of a timing of the closing of a first exhaust valve during the exhaust stroke of a first cylinder to trap exhaust gas in the first cylinder for mixing with combustion air in the first cylinder during the intake stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Faletti, Steven J. Funke
  • Publication number: 20020104509
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling combustion engine compression braking has the variable timing of the opening of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders and within a time range of 15°-150° before the top-dead-center position of each cylinder piston during each compression stroke such that variable compression braking power levels, and attendant noise levels, can be obtained as required or desired dependent upon various road, vehicle, and vehicle location parameters. The system and method facilitate a wide range of braking power levels or values, the braking power is smoothly modulated as a result of all of the designated exhaust valves of the cylinders being activated, and the braking power levels can also be generated as a function of engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Sameer Bhargava, Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Joshua C. Ruedin
  • Publication number: 20020073959
    Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve may be slowed during the first opening event by controlling fluid leaving a second actuator volume opposite a first actuator volume providing opening force on an exhaust valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman
  • Publication number: 20020069853
    Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve is controlled by delivery of fluid to a brake actuator piston. Fluid delivery is slowed as the brake actuator piston moves to cover a first cylinder port and uncover a second cylinder port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman
  • Patent number: 6205975
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an actuation of a compression brake associated with a combustion engine. The engine includes a fluid circuit for delivering a fluid to the compression brake. The engine also includes a cylinder having an associated exhaust valve. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired timing of an actuation of the brake, determining an air pressure of the engine, and determining a desired fluid pressure in response to the timing and the air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua C. Ruedin, Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz
  • Patent number: 6135073
    Abstract: An hydraulic actuator for a spring closed poppet valve is connected to an electrically motivated valve selecting a high or a low fluid pressure source for a chamber in which a plunger reciprocates in a cylindrical body. Poppet valve closing is controlled by restricting fluid flow from the chamber to the low pressure source. Initially, closing flow is through a closing check valve and is gradually cut off by a frusto-conical end of the plunger. Closing flow is then restricted by an orifice bypassed by a snubber check valve during poppet valve opening. The closing check valve, an opening port, and a recuperation check valve open radially through the body. The closing check valve and the opening port communicate with an annular body groove connected to the electrically motivated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Feucht, Steven J. Funke
  • Patent number: 5570721
    Abstract: A fluid pressure control valve includes a double acting solenoid and a poppet valve seatable against two opposite valve seats. The respective solenoids are momentarily operated to move the poppet valve into respective valve seat positions. Solenoid actuation is terminated when the poppet valve reaches the valve seat position. The poppet valve is maintained against one of the valve seats by a spring force. A hydraulic force maintains the poppet valve against the opposite valve seat. One valve seat has a larger diameter than the other so that the hydraulic force against the poppet valve in one seat position develops a larger force than the spring force, whereas in the opposite valve seating position, the spring force is greater than the developed hydraulic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Craig W. Lohmann, Dennis D. Feucht
  • Patent number: 5531192
    Abstract: The design and construction of current electronically-controlled hydraulically-actuated engine valve systems are currently still being tested for dependability. The electronics control various activities including actuation velocity and, therefore, can include complicated components. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a valve actuation system including an electronically-controlled hydraulically-actuated plunger for actuating an engine valve. Hydraulic means are utilized for reducing the plunger velocity thereby controlling the valve lift and the valve seating as the valve approaches the open and closed positions. The hydraulic means reduces the need for a complicated electronic control unit, therefore, improving the feasibility and dependability of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Feucht, Steven J. Funke, Steven F. Meister